The cost of living has gone insane everywhere since 9-11. War and instability in the middle east drives up oil prices, which in turn drives up the prices of everything, as everything relates to oil in one way or another - be it via plastics, lubricants, transportation, heating or other energy sources, it all tracks back to petroleum. Heck, even the price of asphalt to fix potholes or repave a road has quadroupled.
All our hobby prices are going to get jacked up, and I don't expect that they will go back down anytime soon. For me, the only answer is to cut back and buy only those items I really want. I used to buy every K&C WWII item except the LAH stuff. Then I cut back to all vehicles and warbirds, and those figures I really wanted. Now it is only those vehicles, warbirds and figures I really want. I am still spending as much money, but only getting about half as much product.
I am also a big Giants (NFL) and Yankees (MLB) fan, and I used to go to at least a couple of Giants and at least a half dozen Yankees games every year. This year, I will probably go to 1 Giants and I know I am going to only 2 Yankees games, and I will probably spend about the same amount.
And don't get me wrong, I feel very lucky that I can still participate in my hobbies, albeit on a more limited basis. I get the feeling that there are a lot of people, particularly those on a fixed income, who are absolutely getting wiped out by this worldwide recession. I mean taxes are going up, prices of virtually all necessities are going up, and incomes are just not keeping pace. This could get very ugly very soon.
How many Germans with MG 34's do we need?? The Flamethrower set is a must but with the price increase I will let some sets go and focus more on unique figures.
